3:21But now. The law of Moses, seen as demand, cannot save. Yet the gospel is not contrary to the law of Moses (1:2). The gospel was already proclaimed in both “the Law and the Prophets.” But “now” (the time filled with redemptive significance because of the coming of Christ, v. 26) God’s righteousness comes to historical realization through Christ and His work.

apart from the law. Righteousness with God is not achieved by our acts of obedience to the law. Nevertheless, Paul insists that the gospel is not lawless (v. 31; 6:15; 8:3, 4; 13:8, 10).